Uddhav Thackeray asks cadre to select municipal poll aspirants

Mumbai: In an attempt to reduce the possibility of dissidence over ticket distribution for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray has asked local party cadre to select their candidates.  However, he also warned that if they fails to do so, then candidates will be chosen by the high command.

According to party sources, there is a fierce competition among aspirants to get the ticket for the municipal polls. With the Sena inducting corporators and leaders from other parties, the number of applicants has increased. Keeping this in mind, the party leadership has decided to seek the opinion of local leaders before finalising the candidates for upcoming BMC polls.

“Uddhavji has asked the party cadre to discuss among themselves and select the candidates. After the names are submitted, the party leadership will take a final call. However, if there is no consensus, he warned that he will select the candidates,” said a former corporator, who wishes to contest the election this time.

While there are four to five aspirants in every ward, in some of the wards the number of candidates are more than 10. Party sources said, “If we decide to form an alliance with the BJP, the possibility of rebellion cannot be ruled out. In a bid to pacify dissenting voices, the Sena chief has started meeting Vibhag Pramukhs and local leaders to discuss ticket distribution for the polls.”

“Uddhavji has put the onus of selecting candidates on local cadre. Considering the claims of all aspirants would have become really difficult for the party leadership. If there is a deadlock, then he will take the decision to select party candidates,” said a former corporator.